Ranchi: In observance of the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, the Centre for Human Rights and Subaltern Studies (CHRSS) at NUSRL, Ranchi, organized a panel discussion on “Behind Bars, Beyond Blame: The Reality of Undertrial Prisoners.” The event was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Ashok R. Patil, along with other distinguished panelists.
The discussion focused on the conditions of prisoners, legal aid for undertrials, and the protection of their human rights. Key participants included Hamid Akhtar (AIG Prisons, Jharkhand), Dr. P.M. Tony (Director, Baghicha, Ranchi), Shashi Sagar Verma (General Secretary, PUCL, Ranchi), Shailesh Poddar (Advocate, Jharkhand High Court), and Apurva Vivek (Advocate, Jharkhand High Court).
Professor Patil emphasized the university’s efforts, in collaboration with governments and NGOs, to improve legal facilities and human rights for prisoners in states like Bengaluru and Delhi, with ongoing initiatives in Jharkhand supported by the Azim Premji Foundation.
Akhtar shared the historical struggles of overcrowding in Jharkhand’s jails, including Ranchi Jail, where facilities once meant for 10 prisoners housed over 100. Though conditions have improved, Akhtar stressed the need for further reforms and greater empathy towards prisoners.
Dr. Tony discussed the plight of tribal and Dalit undertrials, noting the overcrowding in Birsa Munda Jail, where the inmate population exceeds capacity by 200%. He highlighted that many undertrials, especially from marginalized communities, are unaware of their legal rights.
Shashi Sagar Verma raised concerns about the lack of accountability in prisons, where violations of human rights often go unaddressed. Ms. Vivek shared her experiences with female prisoners, emphasizing the absence of guidelines for pregnant women and the lack of regulations in the jail manual.
Shailesh Poddar, a lawyer, spoke about the complexities of legal cases involving undertrials, citing an example of a rape case where the accused were arrested but later exonerated by the victim. The discussion concluded with calls for urgent reforms in the jail manual and improved legal support for undertrial prisoners, with the involvement of NGOs and the state government.
